Grant wrote his memoirs “to secure the future of his loved ones. Therefore has won the civil war in General, himself a unique location in American letters. His character, his sense of purpose, and simple compassion is visible in this inspiring story, and in letters to his wife, Julia, is included here. Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters : Individual Memoirs of U.S. Grant / Selected Letters, 1839-1865 (Library of America)